Bathtub protection and work platform device

ABSTRACT

A combination bathtub protection and temporary scaffold system which includes a large, flat panel which lays atop a bathtub during construction or remodeling. The flat panel both protects the bathtub against falling tools, debris, etc. and provides a suitable surface upon which workers can stand during work on nearby walls and ceilings. Adjustable positioning units attached to the panel apply pressure against an interior surface of the subject bathtub to hold the panel in position. By applying pressure against an interior surface of the bathtub on the side of the tub opposite a wall, the panel is pressed against such wall such that the panel cannot slide in any direction and provides a suitably stable and non-sliding work surface. The present system and associated method involves very modest expense, expense which would be offset multiple times through the prevention of even one bathtub and damage incident.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of The Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to work place tables, scaffolds, and temporary working surfaces in construction contexts.

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] A frequent source of economic loss for home builders and remodelers has to do with damage to bathtubs. Whether it is because bathtubs are installed early in a new home construction project, or that they are already present during remodeling activities, bathtubs or frequently damaged by falling tools and building materials, or by workers standing on the bathtub surfaces with rock or grit-laden work boots.

[0005] Protective plastic wrapping as comes with many new bathtubs provides little, if any, practical protection against these hazards.

[0006] The present invention, as will be described below, provides protection against damage to bathtubs during construction and remodeling. An additional need met by the present invention relates to difficulty in working around and over bathtubs during construction and remodeling. While a worker would normally place a ladder on a floor, respectively, next to, or immediately under, a wall or ceiling which is being resurfaced, painted, papered, etc., one may not practically due this when the wall or ceiling is next to or over a bathtub. Some do this, however, often with the type of damage to the bathtub surface described above.

[0007] In view of the above, it would be highly beneficial to those in the new home construction and remodeling industries to provide some system or structure which could both protect bathtubs against damage during construction or remodeling and, at the same time, provide a usable work surface or scaffold for use when working on surfaces near the bathtub. Ideally, such a system or structure it would be easily assembled, not require any actual, mechanical interface with the bathtub beyond merely sitting thereupon, and would be very economical.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a bathtub protection system.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a bathtub protection system which does not require direct, mechanical attachment to the bathtub in order to protect it.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a bathtub protection system which, during use, serves, not only to protect the bathtub against damage from falling articles, but provides a temporary work surface and work scaffold.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a combination bathtub protection system and temporary scaffold which is inexpensive to construct and/or to purchase.

[0012] In satisfaction of these and related objects, the present invention provides a combination bathtub protection and temporary scaffold system. The system includes a shield and work surface panel to which is attached at least two adjustable positioning units for maintaining the system in the correct position vis-a-vis the bathtub.

[0013] When properly installed, the present system completely protects the interior and upper margins of a bathtub (those areas most prone to damage during construction or remodeling) and, at the same time, provides a temporary scaffold for use during work on nearby walls and ceilings. The present system is extremely inexpensive to construct in any event, but particularly so when purchased, in part, as a kit whereby the purchaser purchases adjustable positioning units and provides his or her own plywood to serve as the shield and work surface panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the system of the present invention shown in use with a typical bathtub, with a cutaway showing a positioning unit in position for maintaining the shield and temporary work surface panel in position relative to the tub and the nearby wall.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adjustable positioning unit of the subject system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, the combination bathtub protection and temporary scaffold system of the present invention is identified generally by the reference number 10.

[0017] System 10 includes a shield and work surface panel 12. For purposes of economy, shield and work surface panel 12 is normally expected to consist simply of a suitably sized piece of plywood. Of course, if one desires, one can be as elaborate as one pleases, such as by using metal panels (optionally foldable for portability), wood panels with supporting frames, or even fiberglass sheets of sufficient strength, if the temporary scaffold aspect of the system is to be utilized.

[0018] Referring principally to FIG. 2, attached to shield and work surface panel 12, for most installations, are two adjustable positioning units 14. Each positioning units 14 includes a bracket 16 and an adjustable foot member 18. Bracket 16 includes holes 17 for use in mounting postitioning unit 14 to panel 12 using nuts and bolts (not shown in the drawings).

[0019] Adjustable foot member 18 includes a threaded rod 20 which is threadingly engaged with bracket 16, whereby rotating adjustable foot member 18 about the axis of threaded rod 20 extends or retracts foot pad 22 relative to bracket 18. Preferably, the distal surfaces of foot pad 22 will have a nonabrasive surface, such as by adhering fabric or carpet there to.

[0020] When a system 10 of the present invention is to be assembled, one attaches at least two positioning units 14 to shield and work surface panel 12. Positioning units 14 should be placed such that, with minor adjustment, foot pads 22 can be adjusted such that they press against the interior of a bathtub with which system 10 this to be used such that an edge of shield and work surface panel 12 is press against the wall which juxtaposes the opposite side of the bathtub, thereby securing system 10 relative to the bathtub. Clearly, with one edge of shield and work surface panel 12 juxtaposing a wall on one side of the bathtub, and positioning units 14 pressing against the interior of the bathtub on the side of the bathtub opposite the wall, system 10 will provide a stable surface over the entirety of the bathtub which both protects the tub from damage, and provides a safe surface upon which a worker may stand during work on nearby walls or ceilings. Obviously, the material chosen for shield and work surface panel 12 should be of sufficient strength to exceed that needed to support a worker during use (at least ½ inch quality plywood being the minimum recommended for a worker of average weight).

[0021] The modest purchase price for the components needed to construct system 10 will be offset multiple times through the prevention of even one bathtub damage incident during construction or remodeling. Therefore, while quite simple, the present system is believed to provide a substantial benefit to those working in the relevant industry.

[0022] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A combination bathtub protection and temporary scaffold system comprising: a shield and temporary work surface panel sized and shaped to substantially overlay the entirety of a bathtub to be protected; and an adjustable positioning unit which includes a bracket member for attachment to set shield and temporary work surface panel and for supporting and oriented and an adjustable foot member, said adjustable foot member including a threaded rod which is threadingly engaged with said bracket member near one end of said threaded rod and having a foot pad member attached to the other end of said threaded rod.
 2. A method for protecting the bathtub against damage during construction or remodeling and for providing a temporary scaffold comprising the steps of: selecting a combination bathtub protection and temporary scaffold system comprising: a shield and temporary work surface panel sized and shaped to substantially overlay the entirety of a bathtub to be protected; and an adjustable positioning unit which includes a bracket member for attachment to set shield and temporary work surface panel and for supporting and oriented and an adjustable foot member, said adjustable foot member including a threaded rod which is threadingly engaged with said bracket member near one end of said threaded rod and having a foot pad member attached to the other end of said threaded rod; attaching said adjustable positioning unit to said shield and temporary work surface panel at a position whereby, when said shield and temporary work surface panel is placed atop said bathtub with said adjustable positioning unit extending into the interior of said bathtub, said adjustable positioning unit, when adjusted, will apply force against an interior surface of a first side of said bathtub to lodge said shield and temporary work surface panel against a vertical surface which juxtaposes the upper margin of a second, opposite side of said bathtub for securely maintaining said system in position relative to said bathtub; adjusting said adjustable positioning unit; and placing said shield and temporary work surface panel atop said bathtub with said adjustable positioning unit extending into said interior of said bathtub and with said foot member contacting said interior surface of said first side of said bathtub. 